How does a beautiful home garden grow? If you've been wanting to start a garden but aren't sure how you have come to the right place. Green thumbs do not come naturally for everyone, but with these 10 tips, you will have your friends asking you for tips and tricks to get their garden to flourish. Ready to make your garden beautiful in time for summer? Let's get started.
1. Know Your Region
It may seem obvious, but not everything can grow where it's planted. The flowers in Hawaii are very different than the flowers in Maine.
Start by visiting your local nursery and get an idea of what plants will do well in your climate. The local gardeners will know what the best native plants are for your region.
Having a basic knowledge of what will be successful will help you start off on the right foot.
2. Start With Healthy Soil
Plants live through their roots, so the part below ground is the most important element to having a healthy garden.
The soil for your garden should be easily shoveled and crumble in your hands when you pick it up. If your soil is hard or clay-like it will be very difficult for most plants to thrive.
Most soil around houses isn't ideal for plants, so to make your soil better, try adding organic matter.
Organic matter is basically just broken-down plant parts or compost. You can use shredded leaves, composted manure or fertilizer. This will allow the soil to provide the food and nutrients needed.
3. Look at the Big Picture
We all want a full and luscious garden, so overplanting can be easy to do.
Remember that plants can grow quite quickly. Make sure you know how much space is recommended for each plant.
Typically perennials that live for more than 2 years should be placed about 18 inches apart. This will allow for new growth and will make the garden look full sooner rather than later.
It's also important to know how tall the plant will grow. Shorter plants should be planted towards the front of the garden and around the edges of walkways. Taller plants should go in the back.
Make a general plan before you start planting. But don't stress too much about it, because you can always make changes as you go.
4. Pick Your Spots Carefully
Pick where plants are planted with care. Some plants need full sun, while some need full shade.
Notice how the sun hits your yard and plan accordingly. Pay attention to what kind of light each plant needs to survive.
Vegetables need sun, which means they need at least 6 hours of sunlight on them each day during the growing season. Flowers that don't bear fruit don't need as much sun so they can be planted in a shadier spot.
5. Keep it Manageable
It's easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about having to take care of an entire yard. So remember, it's ok to start small.
Pick a small area about 3 feet by 3 feet and start there. Maybe it's the plot right by the front door. Focus on that area and forget about the rest for now.
Once you have that plot fertilized, planned out, and planted, then focus on the next spot.
It's okay if it takes all summer, or even years to get your garden looking the way you want.
One thing is for sure, it's not going to happen overnight. Make small manageable goals that will allow you to be successful one step at a time.
6. Start Easy
There are easy to grow plants, and there are hard to grow plants. If you are a beginner gardener, choose easy to grow plants to make your garden a success from the very beginning.
Examples of easy to grow plants include vegetables and sunflowers. They grow quickly and progress can be seen in just one season.
Also, try ferns and shrubs. They are usually hardy and last from year to year.
Other easy to grow plants include:
- Queen Anne's lace
- Peonies
- Lavender
- Snapdragons
- Black-eyed Susans
- Maiden grass
- Daylilies
Try any of these stunning easy to grow plants to make your garden stunning.
7. Get ahead of the Game
Many vegetables need to get started from seed several weeks before it's warm enough to plant them outside.
Plant your vegetable seeds in little containers indoors while it's still cold outside. You should see sprouts coming up after a few weeks.
When it's warm enough outside plant them outside in your designated plot. Just make sure you wait long enough to be sure there won't be any more frosty nights. Usually late spring.
8. Water Carefully
Water consistently with ample amounts.
It's best to water on a regular basis rather than watering a lot all at one time. Make sure the water soaks into the soil rather than just a little bit on the surface.
Newer plants will need to be watered more frequently because their roots aren't as established. And morning is the best time to water -- before the sun gets too hot.
One tip we like to tell our customers is to make sure a water source is close to each planter. That way watering is easier and more convenient for you.
9. Keep it Up
Gardening is done little by little. You don't need to spend hours and hours in the garden every day in order to make your garden bloom.
Some consistent work here and there is all you need. Gardens need regular maintenance in order for them look their best.
Spending a little time each day will allow you to understand what your garden needs. Taking time to prune and weed on a regular basis will help you see any problems that may arise such as infestations or stunted growth.
10. Patience is a Virtue
Gardening is a process. Your dream garden will not appear overnight. It takes time.
Being impatient can hurt the plants as you might tend to overwater in hopes that they grow faster.
If you see a plant struggling, sometimes they just need a little time to perk up again. Monitor them regularly, but don't be over anxious to fix every little thing.
Make Your Garden Stand Out
By following these 10 easy steps, your garden will be the best in the neighborhood. Even if you are a beginner you can have a beautiful and satisfying garden.
Just remember to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. There is nothing more gratifying than watching a plot of dirt turn into a flourishing garden. All it takes is some time and persistence.
And if you have any questions along the way, don't hesitate to contact us. Our experts are here to help you succeed in all your gardening endeavors.